Ever since I switched to self-employment and became location-independent, I’ve taken several trips. Having the freedom to travel more was one of the reasons I left my regular job, so it’s a natural part of my lifestyle now.
People often ask how we can afford so many vacations. Many assume we spend thousands on each trip or that we’re financing travel with debt.
Neither is true.
Most of our vacations are budget-friendly, and that’s how we manage to travel so often. We spend far less than the $4,000 average many people report for a single trip.
One major way we cut costs is by saving on accommodations, which are often one of the biggest items in a vacation budget. You don’t have to accept high hotel prices—there are many strategies to reduce lodging costs so your vacation budget stretches further and you can travel more frequently.
Below are practical tips to save money on hotels and short-term rentals so you can go on more vacations without sacrificing comfort.
Use credit card rewards.
Credit card rewards are one of my favorite tools for lowering travel costs and saving money on hotels. By using reward cards for everyday spending and meeting sign-up bonuses, you can earn free nights or travel credit. For example, I recently signed up for the Chase Ink Bold Plus and qualified for 70,000 bonus points—about $875 toward travel—after meeting the required spending threshold. If you already charge most of your regular expenses to a card, reaching that threshold can be straightforward.
Sign up for a hotel loyalty program.
Whenever we stay at a hotel, we enroll in the hotel’s loyalty program. Most are free and allow you to earn points for future stays. You can often collect points both through the hotel program and your credit card, effectively doubling your rewards. I’ve earned free nights this way, and the cumulative benefit is significant.
Even if you book through third-party sites like Booking.com, don’t forget to add your hotel loyalty number when possible. Membership perks can also include free upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and exclusive discounts.
Be flexible with your travel dates.
Flexibility can yield substantial savings. Weekend nights and high-season dates usually cost more. If your schedule allows, check rates for shifting your stay by a day, a week, or a few weeks—sometimes the difference is dramatic. I’ve seen the same room drop from over $300 a night to under $50 a night by changing the travel date. That sort of variance can save hundreds of dollars on a trip.
Choose short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO.
I often prefer short-term vacation rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO. These options frequently cost about the same or less than hotels, while offering more space and often a kitchen. For groups, splitting the cost of a house can be far cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
For example, we rented a beach house in Gulf Shores for five days for $650, including cleaning fees, taxes, and a pet deposit. With three bedrooms, it was roomy and affordable—and it would have been even more economical if more people had split the cost.
Consider the total cost of your stay.
When traveling with pets or a group, additional fees can add up quickly. Some hotels charge pet fees, sometimes as much as $100 per night, which can make an otherwise affordable hotel unaffordable if you don’t factor it in ahead of time. Other hidden or extra charges to watch for include:
- Paid internet access versus free Wi-Fi.
- Resort fees that are added on top of the room rate.
- Charges for using amenities like the fitness center.
- On-site dining costs—if hotel food is expensive, check nearby alternatives.
- Transportation costs to reach the accommodation—staying far from attractions to save on room rates can be counterproductive if transit costs are high.
- Extra-person fees—some hotels charge per additional guest per night.
- Cleaning fees—common with short-term rentals.
- Parking fees—daily parking charges can be surprisingly high.
Ask for a discount.
Don’t be shy about requesting a discount. Whether you’re booking a hotel, motel, or short-term rental, asking if any discounts are available can pay off—especially for last-minute bookings when properties want to fill rooms. A simple question like, “Are there any discounts available?” can sometimes lower the price. If the answer is no, you’ve lost nothing by asking.
What is the most you typically pay per night for a hotel or short-term rental? What money-saving travel tips do you use?
Recommended reading: How To Stay At Hotels For Free